Condolences pour in on social media after Sumter murder-suicide that killed 3 children
In the aftermath of a Sumter murder-suicide that took the lives of three children, community leaders and others expressed sorrow and condolences on social media.
Charles Slacks Jr. shot his two sons, aged 5 and 6, along with their 11-year-old half sister and another man late Tuesday night, police said. Slacks then turned the gun on himself, taking his own life in front of the children’s mother.
Details of the murders were announced Wednesday by Sumter Police Chief Russell Roark, who expressed shock and disgust at the crime.
“We’re not conditioned to bury children,” Roark said.
Sumter Mayor David Merchant posted a statement on Facebook that acknowledged how the crime has affected the city of Sumter. “Today is a difficult day and the days to come will continue to be difficult,” Merchant said.
State Sen. Thomas McElveen, who represents the Sumter area, encouraged South Carolina to pray for the community.
Please keep our home community of Sumter in constant prayer. Our hearts hurt for all of the victims involved, and there will certainly be difficult days ahead for our community in the wake of an evil, tragic, and unthinkable act.
— Sen. Thomas McElveen (@ThomasMcElveen) March 22, 2023
Other members of the community took to social media to express condolences toward the mother of the three children.
Jonnieka Farr, former candidate for Richland County Council District 9, said she was shocked by the news of the murders.
This is utterly shocking. This tragic event grabs at your heart. Prayers are with the surviving family and Sumter community. Current thought, when will this end? https://t.co/ksY9idHhWY
— Jonnieka Farr (@Farrfor9) March 23, 2023
James Alan Fox, a criminologist at Northeastern University, posted on Twitter that the murder-suicide is the 13th mass killing (four or more people) of the year in the U.S.
Tuesday's murder-suicide in Sumter, SC, is the 13th mass killing (4+ victim fatalities) of the year (on pace for a record). Eleven took place in residences and 10 of them involving family or intimate partner relationships. See https://t.co/4HTGjxz1vk
— James Alan Fox (@jamesalanfox) March 23, 2023
The children’s mother, Aletha Holliday, shared an emotional post on Facebook about her children, including dozens of family photos.
“From our family…thank you for your prayers, condolences, and expressions of love,” the post said. “We just want to share beautiful pictures with you of Ava, Aason, and Aayden. We love them and will keep them alive in our hearts and minds. Please continue to pray for us.”
Hundreds of people replied to the post Thursday afternoon, sharing their grief, prayers and memories.
“Every mama’s heart in Sumter broke that night. Sending you all the love and light as you endure this impossible time,” one person wrote.
“Aletha, we met last week at farm to table. My husband and I both walked away from your table with the same two thoughts- ‘that is the best brownie I have ever tasted’ and ‘what a delightful, humble woman with the most infectious smile,’” another commenter wrote. “No one can begin to fathom the devastation and heartbreak you are walking through, but please know you have an entire community in Sumter rallying around you. We prayed for you this morning in Bible study, and we will continue to lift you up to the Lord every single day.”
